Two girls aged 14 killed by express

Two 14-year-old girls were killed when they were knocked down by a train on a level crossing yesterday as they set off on a Christmas shopping trip.

The girls were struck by a high-speed service as they crossed the track at the village of Elsenham, Essex.

British Transport Police are treating the deaths as an accident. It is believed that the barriers were down, but the girls, one of whom was named last night as Olivia Bazlinton, were rushing to catch a train and used a gate. Inspector Chris Bragg, said: "They were just looking forward to a fun day out. They were off to Cambridge to buy Christmas presents."

Olivia's father, Chris, said: "We haven't been told the exact details, it's just a tragic accident. She used the crossing most days."

Cliff Bishop, who runs the nearby East Anglia Books, said the layout of the station meant it was often not possible to see a train coming.

"The platforms are not opposite each other - one is on the left of the crossing and the other is on the right," he said. "If a train comes in and stops it blocks the view so that if you cross behind the train and one's coming the other way of course you don't see it."